Cmdr. Justin D. Russell
Executive Officer, USS MASON (DDG 87)
16 July 2025
Commander Justin Russell is a native of Goodlettsville, Tennessee and enlisted in the Navy as a Nuclear Electronics Technician. He commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral-21 program earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University.
At sea, he served as Electrical Officer and First Lieutenant in USS Gettysburg (CG 64), Reactor Mechanical Division Officer in USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), Weapons Officer in USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), and Combat Systems Officer in USS Delbert D Black (DDG 119). He is currently the Executive Officer for USS Mason (DDG 87), having reported aboard May 2025.
Ashore, CDR Russell served as a nuclear accessions officer for Navy Recruiting Command. He also served as Systems Mission Manager and Executive Officer to Director of Flight Test at Missile Defense Agency.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (3), as well as multiple personal and unit awards.